The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis result from the inflammation of the moist, sensitive mucosa that lines the vagina due to an overgrowth of certain bacteria that normally live in the vagina. Symptoms vary in character and intensity among individual women.
Many women may have no symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. When they do occur, symptoms may include vaginal and genital itching, burning and heavy vaginal discharge that is thin and white and may have a fishy odor. This odor may be stronger after sexual intercourse. There may also be a burning pain with urination.
Complications of untreated bacterial vaginosis include an increased risk of contracting and passing along HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases after exposure to them during sexual activity. Complications also include the development of pelvic inflammatory disease and an increased risk of postoperative infection after vaginal or pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomy and abortion.
In pregnant women, untreated bacterial vaginosis can lead to preterm labor and preterm delivery....more about Bacterial vaginosis »
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Bacterial vaginosis includes the 9 symptoms listed below:
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Women with BV often have an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after intercourse. The discharge is usually white or gray; it can be thin. Women with BV may also have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both. Some women with BV report no signs or symptoms at all. (Source: excerpt from Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): DSTD)
The primary symptom of BV is an abnormal, odorous vaginal discharge. The fish-like odor is noticeable especially after intercourse. Nearly half of the women with clinical signs of BV, however, report no symptoms. A physician may observe these signs during a physical examination and may confirm the diagnosis by doing tests of vaginal fluid. (Source: excerpt from Vaginitis Due to Vaginal Infections, NIAID Fact Sheet: NIAID)
The primary symptom of BV is an abnormal vaginal discharge with a fishy odor, which is especially noticeable after intercourse. However, nearly half the women with clinical signs of BV report no symptoms. A physician observes these signs during a physical examination and from various tests of vaginal fluid. (Source: excerpt from Vaginal Infections & Vaginitis: NWHIC)
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The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Bacterial vaginosis. This signs and symptoms information for Bacterial vaginosis has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Bacterial vaginosis signs or Bacterial vaginosis symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Bacterial vaginosis may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Bacterial vaginosis symptoms.
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